Treating pain and discomfort

Some people use over the counter products, complementary therapies or home remedies to help manage the pain and discomfort of genital herpes. Examples of these include:

• Over the counter pain killers (for example, Panadol)
• L-lysine
• Zinc
• Echinacea
• Tea tree oil
• Honey and other bee products
• Warm salt water baths

These treatments are not as effective as antiviral therapy Glossary: Antiviral therapy
The use of medication that aims to reduce outbreaks and symptoms of genital herpes. and most have not been proven to be conclusively beneficial in controlled scientific trials.

If you are currently using or considering using any of these products please discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.